5th Grade Citywide Test Information

How to Help Your Child Prepare for the 5th Grade Citywide Test

What Is the 5th Grade Citywide Test?

Across the U.S., many 5th grade students take a standardized test at some point, usually toward the end of the school year. New York City in particular administers citywide exams, starting in 3rd grade and continuing each year. If you're unsure, ask your 5th grader's school if he or she will be taking a citywide exam and what will be on it.

The content on a 5th grade citywide exam may vary depending on where you live. However, all standardized tests are based on the state standards. In New York City's citywide exams, 5th graders are tested on math, social studies and English. Citywide tests are often presented in a multiple-choice format, but may include short-answer questions as well.

How Can I Help My Child Get Ready?

There are many things that factor into a child's success when taking a citywide test. First of all, make sure that your child is on top of her or his schoolwork throughout the 5th grade. The better your child does throughout the school year, the better prepared he or she will be for any form of standardized testing.

Become familiar with the educational standards of your state. You can usually find information about your state's standards on the Department of Education website or by contacting your child's school. In the days and weeks leading up to a citywide test, sit down with your child and go over materials related to your state's learning standards. Determine where your 5th grader needs the most help and then provide it.

Practice tests can be immensely useful. Check with your child's school or your state's Department of Education to get practice tests. When you administer a sample citywide exam to your 5th grader, do your best to simulate a calm, quiet testing atmosphere. Time your child and then go over the answers with him or her. Focus on the areas where your child needs the most help.

What Are Some Useful Resources?

There are a variety of resources that you can use to help your child do well on a citywide test. Get in touch with your child's teachers to find out about after school programs that may help him or her get ready for a citywide exam. You can also check with your local library, community or youth center. Organizations such as Campfire USA and the YMCA have many programs focused on educational goals and youth development.

If your child's struggling in any particular subject, consider taking him or her to a learning center or hiring a tutor. There are many different kinds of tutors that you can hire. You can peruse the classified ads in your local newspapers or check online ads to find private tutors. You might also consider an online tutor or a tutor who works for a large, national tutoring company.